Menu
04/04/2006
Food firms 'not taking health seriously enough'
The world's top 25 food companies are not taking health seriously enough, a new report has claimed.
The report, by researchers at London's City University, examined how the companies were addressing World Health Organisation guidelines on tackling obesity, heart disease, cancers and diabetes.
The report studied the annual reports, accounts and HQ websites of the top ten food manufacturers, top ten food retailers and top five foodservice companies - three fast food companies and two contract caterers.
The researchers said that the findings were "worrying". Only ten of the 25 companies were taking action to reduce salt in their products, while only five were taking action on sugar and only four on fats.
Eight companies reported that they were taking action to reduce transfats, while only two were taking action to reduce portion sizes. Kraft was the only company found to be taking action on all five issues, followed by PepsiCo, which was found to be taking action on all issues, except portion sizes.
Retailers performed particularly poorly, the report said, but stated that Ahold was tacking action on three issues - the reduction of salt, sugar and transfats.
Food manufacturers were found to be more pro-active on reducing salt and sugar content that other sectors, the report found.
The report also said that McDonalds, which has been high profile in the diet and health debate, reported no commitments other than on portion size.
The report authors said: "There is a pretty poor overall picture, with too many companies appearing not to care a jot.
"Companies should be wary about doing the minimum or presenting a few hurried initiatives in self-promotional terms. A luke-warm response from food companies to the enormity of the public health evidence amassed by the WHO and researchers risks engendering some cynicism.
"Company actions must move from being purely defensive or centred on obviating threats to their reputations."
Responding to the report, the Food and Drink Federation said that the industry was committed to tackling the problems surrounding food and health. "Tremendous amounts of changes" had already been undertaken, the FDF said.
(KMcA)
The report, by researchers at London's City University, examined how the companies were addressing World Health Organisation guidelines on tackling obesity, heart disease, cancers and diabetes.
The report studied the annual reports, accounts and HQ websites of the top ten food manufacturers, top ten food retailers and top five foodservice companies - three fast food companies and two contract caterers.
The researchers said that the findings were "worrying". Only ten of the 25 companies were taking action to reduce salt in their products, while only five were taking action on sugar and only four on fats.
Eight companies reported that they were taking action to reduce transfats, while only two were taking action to reduce portion sizes. Kraft was the only company found to be taking action on all five issues, followed by PepsiCo, which was found to be taking action on all issues, except portion sizes.
Retailers performed particularly poorly, the report said, but stated that Ahold was tacking action on three issues - the reduction of salt, sugar and transfats.
Food manufacturers were found to be more pro-active on reducing salt and sugar content that other sectors, the report found.
The report also said that McDonalds, which has been high profile in the diet and health debate, reported no commitments other than on portion size.
The report authors said: "There is a pretty poor overall picture, with too many companies appearing not to care a jot.
"Companies should be wary about doing the minimum or presenting a few hurried initiatives in self-promotional terms. A luke-warm response from food companies to the enormity of the public health evidence amassed by the WHO and researchers risks engendering some cynicism.
"Company actions must move from being purely defensive or centred on obviating threats to their reputations."
Responding to the report, the Food and Drink Federation said that the industry was committed to tackling the problems surrounding food and health. "Tremendous amounts of changes" had already been undertaken, the FDF said.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 March 2008
School's Out For Junk Food
The School Food Trust is to set in motion measures that will curb school children binging on junk food. Currently in some parts of England, pupils have a choice of more than 40 fast food shops, with many targeting children with special lunch menus.
School's Out For Junk Food
The School Food Trust is to set in motion measures that will curb school children binging on junk food. Currently in some parts of England, pupils have a choice of more than 40 fast food shops, with many targeting children with special lunch menus.
21 February 2013
Report Claims Private Companies Better At Running Prisons
Reform, a centre-right think tank, has said that private companies are better than the public sector at running the UK's prisons. 10 out of 12 privately-run prisons had lower reoffending rates among those serving 12 months or more than comparable public jails, according to the report.
Report Claims Private Companies Better At Running Prisons
Reform, a centre-right think tank, has said that private companies are better than the public sector at running the UK's prisons. 10 out of 12 privately-run prisons had lower reoffending rates among those serving 12 months or more than comparable public jails, according to the report.
15 July 2005
Report on food transport reveals effect on environment
The transport of food across the UK has a “significant and growing impact” on road congestion, accidents, climate change, noise and pollution, a new report has claimed.
Report on food transport reveals effect on environment
The transport of food across the UK has a “significant and growing impact” on road congestion, accidents, climate change, noise and pollution, a new report has claimed.
15 December 2003
Drug companies place public health behind profit: report
The relationship between government and the UK pharmaceutical industry has focused too heavily on developing new medicinal drugs to the detriment of research into other ways of improving health, according to a report by a leading think tank today.
Drug companies place public health behind profit: report
The relationship between government and the UK pharmaceutical industry has focused too heavily on developing new medicinal drugs to the detriment of research into other ways of improving health, according to a report by a leading think tank today.
03 March 2014
Sony To Create 26 Jobs In Wales
Sony is to create 26 new jobs at its manufacturing base in Bridgend, Wales. In a statement, the firm said the roles would be on the production line and at its UK Technology Centre (UKTEC) in Pencoed.
Sony To Create 26 Jobs In Wales
Sony is to create 26 new jobs at its manufacturing base in Bridgend, Wales. In a statement, the firm said the roles would be on the production line and at its UK Technology Centre (UKTEC) in Pencoed.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
